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Pig outlook: Lean hog futures bulls take technical control

February lean hog futures this week have rallied to near the recent highs, including the contract high of $93.30. Bulls have the firm near-term technical advantage. However, weakness in the cash hog market may limit the upside in futures. The latest CME lean hog index is quoted down 13 cents to $78.60 (as of Dec. 23). That is the lowest in almost a year. The five-day national direct rolling average cash hog price today was quoted at $78.30. 

Hog market bulls are hoping a seasonal bottom in cash prices is close at hand, evidenced by the big gains in hog futures on Tuesday. Rising corn and soybean meal futures prices this week also likely limited buying interest in hog futures. USDA’s bullish quarterly Hogs & Pigs report last Friday should limit the downside in the hog market in the near term. The agency estimated the Dec. 1 hog herd at 73.119 million head, down 1.327 million head (1.8%) from year-ago and 210,000 head under pre-report estimates. Hog inventories fell 2.0% to 68.321 million head and the breeding herd at 6.154 million head was 0.5% above last year.

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Dr. Eduardo Beltranena: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs

Video: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena: Feeding Faba Bean to Pigs

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Eduardo Beltranena explains the benefits of feeding faba beans to pigs. He discusses inclusion rates, nutritional comparisons with cereals, cultivar selection, and how frost-damaged beans can still be effectively utilized. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Faba beans provide both starch and protein, competing directly with cereals in swine diets."

Meet the guest: Dr. Eduardo Beltranena / eduardo-beltranena-61660a1b2 holds a Ph.D. in nutrition and reproduction interactions from the University of Alberta and currently serves as Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University. His work focuses on improving swine nutrition using regional feedstuffs, optimizing nitrogen use, and supporting Spanish-speaking workers in US pork operations.